Nikola Jokic Explodes for 55 Points, Ties NBA Season-High in Nuggets’ Win

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic delivered a performance for the ages on Wednesday (AEDT), erupting for 55 points and 12 rebounds as the Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 130-116, securing their sixth consecutive victory.

Jokic’s monster night ties the highest-scoring performance in the NBA this season, previously set by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Jokic scored 25 of Denver’s 39 points in the opening quarter. He followed that with 8 in the second and a commanding 19 in the third before resting most of the fourth.

Shooting Splits: He was nearly perfect from the field, going 18 of 23 (78%) overall. He added to his tally by hitting five of six three-pointers and making 14 of 16 free throws.

The Serbian star finished just shy of his league-leading seventh triple-double, recording six assists.

The short-handed Clippers managed to keep the game tight in the first half despite Jokic’s output, even leading 68-63 at halftime. However, Jokic took over the third quarter, dropping 19 points to power a Nuggets run that gave Denver a comfortable lead they would not relinquish.

For the Clippers, James Harden led the effort with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Off the bench, Jordan Miller impressed with a career-high 22 points.

The Nuggets (130-116) will next face the Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon (AEDT).